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DEL.ICIO.USAppoint, don’t elect state school chief?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former state senator John C. Foster argues that the last two state school superintendents are proof that Georgia needs to change its system of electing school chiefs.
The recent CRCT controversy is an example of how the system is not working, he says. Instead, we should have a commissioner of education appointed by the governor, writes Foster.
Appointed or elected?
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By Jeff
June 6, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Either way it is a political job and not necessarily one in which the best thing for education in this State gets done.
By Fix-It
June 6, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
It does not matter if they are elected or appointed, but there has to be some minimum standard. How about 15 years in the classroom and at least 5 to 10 in administration. If we start setting minimum standards for all government jobs maybe we would not have to make the choice of boob number one or boob number two.
By RealityKing
June 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Neither!
The most qualified individual should be hired and retained based solely on progress…, as should teachers.
By realist
June 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Appointed! That way, the executive is guaranteed of being able to work with someone, instead of against someone. Plus, there would be a higher, more immediate level of accountability.
By Willie
June 6, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Well the college trained minds are are a debacle. I say lower the education requirement to High school graduates, lower the pay scale, and add military history a plus. Is it strange with all the educated minds there is no plan no action no results. Those educated minds always want to discuss but new do. Appoint a hardworking High school graduate and watch things get done.
By Willie
June 6, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Well the college trained minds are are a debacle. I say lower the education requirement to High school graduates, lower the pay scale, and add military history a plus. Is it strange with all the educated minds there is no plan no action no results. Those educated minds always want to discuss but never do. Appoint a hardworking High school graduate and watch things get done.
By Shannon, M.Div.
June 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
My gut instinct says that appointment is the way to go… until I look at Clayton County. Unfortunately, appointment by a politician isn’t much better than hiring a politician (via election).
By Craig
June 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Does Kathy have the legal authority and the political courage to fire GDOE educrats who don’t meet her performance expectations? I pray so but methinks no.
By 14u2thinkabout
June 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
The State Superintendant is not necessary as an appointed or elected position. Each school district has a Superintendant. The GDOE should be in place to support schools at the local level. The State Superintendant has effectively done nothing to help the Clayton County System. Yes the Governor acted after the fact, but Clayton County was imploding and no one has done enough to make sure that the Class of 2009, 2010 and beyond will be able to attend the college of their choice (out of state) if the system loses its accreditation. And the CRCT scandal is another reason the State Superintendant isn’t needed. The students across GA were failed by the very group that should be supporting their efforts. Get rid of the position and reorganize the GDOE into a department that can make decisions about what is BEST for the students of GA.